A vigorous mounding Heuchera with mocha colored leaves in the correct spot.
Pronunciation
(HEW-ker-ah)
Plant Type
All Plants, Perennials Hardy
Hardiness Zone
(4)5-9
Sunlight
shaded with some strong light
Moisture
average, moist
Soil & Site
average, hunusy
Leaves
chocolate brown
Dimensions
foliage mounds reach 6-8 by 16 inches (HS) with the floral sprays up to about 16 inches
Maintenance
Depending on the species some will produce a prodigious amount of flower scapes and these should be deadheaded. I prefer to gently remove the dead leaves in the spring. Gently is the key word since some Heuchera do not produce stout clumps and pieces are easily broken off. Heuchera tend to frost heave, a mulch will help prevent this. Gently pushing the plants back into the ground in the spring is a good practice. Rejuvenation by division may be need as the plants get older and form thick heavy stems at the base of the plan
Propagation
U. S. Plant Patent PP18,386 in 2008, division
Author's Notes
I have grown this plant for about 4 years and have seen it many times in other gardens. The color of the foliage is in direct relationship to the amount of light. It needs some good light to bring out the deep mocha color it is named after. In strong to full sun the color will be darker but it will need additional moister or the plant will get crispy.
Notes & Reference
#105-Heuchera and Heucherellas (Dan Heims, Grahame Ware), #119-Heuchera, Tiarella and Heucherella A Gardeners Guide (Charles and Martha Oliver), #144-Missouri Botanical Gardens web site (www.missouribotanicalgarden.org)